Braided Cords' Popularity Soaring

From Kyoto & Used by "Your Name." Heroes

The sales of accessories using braided cords, one of Kyoto's traditional handicrafts, have been increasing drastically. Thanks to the influence of the currently successful animated movie, "Your Name." in which braided cords are depicted, they continue to be in short supply at producers and retailers in Kyoto Prefecture. In addition, there is also a wave of orders from Taiwan, where the movie has just been released.

"Your Name." is a love story, in which a high school boy and girl undergo a body swap through their dreams and repeatedly have weird experiences. The movie has become a social phenomenon, which has led to things such as many fans visiting the places that are said to be scene locations or models and calling their visits a "pilgrimage."

Braided cord is a craft product which is used for kimono's "Obijime," or a thin rope to keep the belt from untying, as well as for other usages. In the movie, the protagonists used it as a hair accessory and a bracelet. "Showen Kumihimo," a manufacturer and seller of accessories using braided cords, in Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture, was flooded with orders for bracelets as soon as the movie was released. Although it quickly strengthened its production system, retailers are still kept waiting for product delivery.

Shun Hatta, a sales representative for "Showen Kumihimo," said, "Our sales have increased by about eight times the usual. Most of the customers are young and many of them come to know the beauty of braided cords and buy other accessories also."

"Kyoto Denim," in Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, which sells small items with braided cords via the internet, has already received roughly 15 orders from Taiwan, where the movie was released late-October. However, it could not stock up in time, and has now been waiting for about one month for supplies. Kazutomo Miyamoto, the store manager, said hopefully, "I heard the movie will be released in the United States, too. The number of foreign tourists who come to Kyoto to buy braided cords may increase in the future."